AJ Johnson and Why Not

AJ Johnson & Why Not

Oklahoma Blues Society contest winner and representative at the 2005 and 2003 International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN

Five seasoned musicians bring their many years of experience and love of music together in the band WHY NOT. The band performs an extensive variety of blues R&B, and other American music, with a memorable presentation. With its wide dynamic range, powerful lead vocals, harmonies, and entertaining performance style, WHY NOT gets its audiences up and dancing. WHY NOT members have performed together for more than 20 years, combining traditional blues instrumentation of guitar, bass, drums and saxophone, with its lead singer’s rhythmic percussion playing.

Bryan Bos, the band’s outstanding saxophone player, delights audiences when he plays both tenor and alto sax at the same time. Bryan’s skills, expression, and entertaining style developed and flourished over his many years performing, at various venues. Bryan has performed at numerous festivals, and opened shows for many famous blues artists, including B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, and Koko Taylor. Bryan’s superb ear earned him the opportunity to run sound for Tony Bennett’s band. He now uses that skill to sing in the band’s 4-part harmonies. Bryan’s favorite musical moment, though, was when he received a hug from Ray Charles. As Bryan says: “We like to have fun.” You will also have fun, whenever you see WHY NOT perform.

A.J. Johnson, WHY NOT’s lead vocalist and percussionist, shares his exceptional talents with his fellow musicians and audiences. With his obvious love of performing, solid rhythm, outstanding vocal range and control, and powerful vocals, A.J. gives of himself to his audience. A.J. has performed for over twenty years, and when you hear him perform, you will know that he will be favoring folks with his music for many more years to come. From soulful songs to foot stomping blues, A.J.’s talents emanate from the stage. A.J. says: “I like playing blues and having fun.” When you see and hear him perform, you’ll know he means what he says.

Al Garcia, WHY NOT’s dynamic, rhythmic drummer, is another stalwart on the blues scene. Al has shared his musical talents with numerous audiences throughout his many years of performing. Al performed for years with three other members of WHY NOT, touring extensively throughout the Southern and Plains states. When you hear Al perform with WHY NOT, you will know why these musicians have combined their interests and talents again, in the band WHY NOT, much to their fans’ enjoyment .

Floyd Parker, WHY NOT’s impassioned bass player, blends with Al to form the band’s solid rhythm section. Born in Los Angeles, Floyd has played all types of music throughout his many years of musical performances. With their many years of performing together, Floyd and Al have formed such a cohesive rhythm section that you would think they could each read the other’s minds. Bryan, A.J., Al, and Floyd enjoyed their prior experiences performing together so much that they have come together again as WHY NOT, inviting Freddy Lee Rice to assist in delighting their audiences. When you hear and see WHY NOT, you’ll know why these talented musicians have come together to share their love of music with their many audiences.

Freddy Lee Rice, WHY NOT’s gifted rhythm and lead guitar player and one of its fine vocalists, brings many years of interesting musical performances and experiences to WHY NOT. Enjoying and bringing enjoyment to crowds with his acoustic and electric guitar playing, and his spirited singing, Freddy Lee concentrates on electric guitar in WHY NOT to help electrify his audience. Freddy Lee has performed throughout the country, from Ohio to Hawaii. When you hear Freddy Lee’s dynamic leads, beautiful rhythm guitar playing, and meaningful singing, you will know why Bryan, A.J., Al, and Floyd regrouped and added him to their ensemble. Freddy Lee’s previous bands have played at festivals, in clubs, on college campuses and at outdoor amphitheaters. Freddy Lee wants you to know that “the blues will never die.”